It all started with the big move to the toddler bed. I can thank our good friend, Challeen for this one. She had given us an Elmo book where Elmo gets a big boy bed. Well, I assumed it was innocent enough (because what 16 month old wants a toddler bed?! Oh, right mine!!) Well, starting that night it was no more crib for Izzy! What I didn't know is that when you make large transitions, such as this, night terrors are not uncommon. Our amazingly wonderful and patient pediatrician assures us that this is normal and more scary for mommy than for baby. Either way I never want to go through those again!
Along with the night terrors came constant (and by constant I mean up 3-4 times a night for over an hour each time) night-time waking. Just when we were at our wits ends (and each other's throats) John happened to spy a toddler-sized bed rail at a garage sale. I am absolutely NOT exaggerating when I say that this was the best $5.00 ever spent. The moment that we installed that sucker, Izzy slept through the night. Let me rephrase that, WE ALL SLEPT THROUGH the night. (Ok, except for the pregnant lady and her many dates with the bathroom-but that is a whole other issue).
Going back to Melmo. Before I actually had Izzy, the only 2 rules that I wanted to enforce as a parent were 1.) NO stuffed animals and 2.) No Elmo. Needless to say those didn't work out so well. I have no idea how Elmo was even introduced, but when I find out I will personally "thank" those individuals involved. Though I can't be too upset, because when I say my daughter loves Elmo, that would be an understatement. It is so stinkin' cute that, even I give in and purchase Elmo just to make her happy. I know, I know, but my parenting skills are not the issue right now :-) In fact, I actually bought baby bottled water today just because it had a picture of Elmo on the packaging. Man, that Sesame Street guy who created Elmo was a marketing GENIUS!!! I never thought that our Tivo would go from CSI, to Blue's Clues. From Grey's Anatomy to Sesame Street. But I will watch hours of Elmo's World if it means that I get to watch my baby girl dance her heart out to the theme song (or whatever is the theme of the day song-think jingle bell melody with one word repeated over and over again).
As for the autonomy stage. It is a wonder and a "delight" all on it's own. Developmentally, I understand this phase. I studied this phase. I have worked with children going through this phase. I have just never LIVED with this phase. Since when did putting on shorts become such an issue? Why is it that we have to sit in the middle of the rug to put shoes on? Why wont sitting on the couch do? How come she has to drink out of juice box all by herself in my car?? Right. I know. She is learning and growing. And though it is messy, it truly is amazing. Iz now tells me when she wants to go to sleep. When she needs a diaper change, that she wants a spoon to use with her fruit. She throws away trash. And my favorite, puts away clothes-hers and ours!
1 comment:
She is growing so fast. It's fun to capture those moments. She is such a cutie. I can't wait to see her (and you) in a couple weeks!
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